Providence Athenaeum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Providence Athenaeum |
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| Country | United States |
| Type | Subscription library |
| Established | 1836 |
| Location | 251 Benefit Street, Providence, Rhode Island |
| Coordinates | 41°49′33″N 71°24′23″W / 41.8256975°N 71.406499°W |
| Collection | |
| Size | 177 thousand (2019) |
| Access and use | |
| Circulation | 22.7 thousand (2019) |
| Members | 1.89 thousand (2019) |
| Other information | |
| Director | Matt Burriesci |
The Providence Athenaeum is a special kind of library in Providence, Rhode Island. It's called a subscription library, which means it's supported by its members. People pay a fee to join and get to borrow books and other items.
Even though it's a member-supported library, the building is open for everyone to visit and explore. Only members can take items home. This library was created in 1836 when two older libraries joined together. These were The Providence Library Company (started in 1753) and the Providence Athenaeum (started in 1831). In 1850, it officially became "The Providence Athenaeum."
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Athenaeum
How the Library Began
In 1753, a group of people in Providence wanted to read books but couldn't afford to buy many on their own. So, they decided to start The Providence Library Company. They each paid a small fee, and the money was used to buy books that everyone could share.
One important early member was Stephen Hopkins. He later signed the Declaration of Independence. Many of the first books had to be bought all the way from England.
Fire and New Beginnings
In 1758, a big fire happened at the Providence court house, where most of the library's books were kept. Sadly, many books were destroyed. Luckily, 71 of the 345 books were out on loan and survived! These special surviving books are now called the Founders' Collection.
Later, in 1770, Brown University moved to Providence. The library let the university students use its books. Then, in 1836, The Providence Library Company joined with another library, the Providence Atheneum. This new, combined library became what we know today as the Providence Athenaeum.
Famous Visitors and Authors
On December 23, 1848, a famous writer named Edgar Allan Poe ended his relationship with Sarah Helen Whitman right inside this building.
Another well-known author, H. P. Lovecraft, lived nearby. Even though he wasn't a member, he often visited the library. He even wrote about it in his letters and stories!
The Library Building: A Closer Look
Original Design and Additions
The beautiful building you see today on Benefit Street was finished in 1838. It was designed by an architect from Philadelphia named William Strickland. The building is in the Greek Revival style, which means it looks like ancient Greek temples.
Over the years, the library needed more space. In 1914, a three-story part was added. This new section used to be the Children's Library until 1979. Now, it holds the Reference Room, where you can find books for research. In 1979, another section was added. This part now houses the Sayles Gorham Children's Library.
Art and Features at the Athenaeum
The library building isn't just full of books; it also has some cool artwork!
- A large copy of Gilbert Stuart's famous painting of George Washington. This copy was made in the 1700s by an artist whose name we don't know.
- A small painting called The Hours by Edward Malbone.
- A bronze statue (bust) of the author H. P. Lovecraft.
- Marble statues (busts) of important people from the Athenaeum's past.
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Right outside the library, there's a public drinking fountain called the Richmond Fountain. It was built in 1873 and has a cool Gothic Revival style. The fountain has a message carved into it: "Come hither every one that thirsteth." After needing some repairs, the fountain was fixed and started working again in 2018.
The Athenaeum Today
Today, the Providence Athenaeum is still an independent library supported by its members. It's a busy place that hosts many fun cultural events for both adults and kids. One of its most popular events is a speaker series called the "salon," which started in 2006.
Special Collections: Rare and Unique Books
Besides the books you can check out, the library has "Special Collections" in the Philbrick rare book room. These are very old and unique books and documents, some dating back to when the library first started!
- Founder's Collection: Remember the books that survived the 1758 fire? About 70 of them are still here!
- Archives: These are the library's own historical records, going all the way back to 1753.
- Holder Borden Bowen Collection: This collection has about 2,000 books on interesting topics like folklore, travel, and examples of beautiful printing.
- Pamphlet Collection: Mostly from the 1800s, this collection includes small booklets about things like anti-slavery, the Civil War, and early shipwrecks.
- Old Juveniles: This is a collection of nearly 3,000 old children's books from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- Old Fiction: Here you'll find rare editions of books by famous authors like Walt Whitman and Louisa May Alcott. Many books printed in Providence and Boston in the 1800s are also here.
- Costume Collection: About 200 books focused on European costume design from the 1800s and 1900s.
- Travel and Exploration: This collection has about 2,500 books about travel and exploring the world. Some are very old, like a map book from 1482!
- Natural History Collection: Important scientific books are here, covering topics from birds to plants and even physics.
- Robert Burns Collection: This collection has about 450 books about the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns.
- Book Arts: The library has many books that are special because of their amazing design. This includes two medieval manuscripts and eight books printed before 1501!
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Bust of H. P. Lovecraft, installed 2013
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A marble bust of Nathanael Greene
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A reproduction Lansdowne portrait of George Washington
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See also
- List of libraries in Rhode Island
